MUSIAL, Gregory Joseph

Gardiner Mines

With sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gregory Musial on May 11, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born on May 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Michael and Bertha Musial, and was one of 10 children. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Greg was a long-time resident of Gardiner Mines, where he lived with the love of his life, Anne. He was enlisted in the military and completed several years of service before starting his career in accounting. He first met Anne when visiting his sister in the Annex in Sydney. He always said he took one look at the brown-eyed beauty and it was love at first sight. On July 2nd, 1951, he and

Anne married and started their life of happiness together. In 1956 they welcomed their pride and joy, their son David into their lives.

Greg came from a long line of entrepreneurs; his father and several siblings each starting their own business. In June 1960 he and his wife had a dream

to start their own. They devoted everything they had into building the Bayside Drive-In, in River Ryan. For years it was just the two of them living in the back of the restaurant, working hard to reach success. Their hard work and perseverance paid off and the Bayside will be celebrating its 63rd year as a family-run business this summer. Greg was very active; a long-time member of Lingan Golf Club, skating several times per week and walking Dominion beach daily. He enjoyed listening to music as well as playing the accordion, violin and piano. He and his wife loved to go out dancing and in later years truly enjoyed the dances and socials provided by many of the local pensioners club. He and Anne both had strong Polish roots and connections to the Polish Community in Whitney Pier. Christmas Eve was always spent gathered with family, enjoying

traditional polish food.

He was a devoted Catholic and very involved with his local Parish. He enjoyed cards night and socials with family and friends such as Mary and Tony, Bill and Sophie, Bertha, Clarence and Anna, Boo and Theresa, and Gordy and Eileen. Greg adored his son David and cherished the time they spent together. They thoroughly enjoyed their fishing trips as well as hunting trips in Ben Eoin. He made sure his son never did without. They always enjoyed lobster boils and family gatherings. They worked side by side for years, with a mutual level of respect and admiration. Greg enjoyed spending time with his grandsons Marc and Bradley and they idolized him. Whether it be golfing, fishing, going to local museums, restaurants, or their first trip to Disneyworld, they had many wonderful memories. He was so proud when they joined the family business. Later in life, he welcomed his great-grandchildren, Jacek and Layla. They loved their Gampy and the stories he told. He couldn’t wait to hear about their hockey games and always had a huge hug and a wink for them. He beamed when they walked through the door to visit. Greg loved to travel and he and his wife Anne travelled to many places from the West Indies to Europe. Family trips to Ingonish

were a yearly tradition, booking up several cottages for all of the families- and enjoying many laughs,

and memorable times.

Greg is survived by his adoring wife of over 70

years, Anne, his daughter- in-law Elizabeth, grandchildren Marc (Nicole) and Bradley, great-grandchildren Jacek and Layla, his sisters Bertha and Isabel, sisters-in-law Mary and Sophie, along with many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his son David, his brothers Paul, Charlie, Michael, and Conrad; his sisters Toni, Rina and Leonara. Greg was one of the kindest, and gentlest men that walked this earth, a true gentleman. His work ethic and determination could never be matched. He refused to grow old, and always kept moving. With a firm handshake and a wink of his eye, one always knew they were in good company. He built a legacy for his family

from the ground up, and we admire and cherish all of the time we had. In the past few years, he may have slowed down, and wobbled a little when he stepped, but he was always the rock of our family.

Words cannot express how much we will miss him.

Special thank you to Elizabeth and Nicole, whom he considered a daughter and granddaughter, for

caring for both Greg and his wife, and staying by his side until the end. Also, ER nurses Brandi, Olivia, CTA Peggy, and Sitter Anju - thank you for being there for our family during such a difficult

time.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 17 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to celebrate Greg’s life will be

Wednesday, May 18 at 10 o’clock in the Parish of Saint Leonard with FR Jim Oliver officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Lunch to follow at the Army, Navy and Airforce, Unit 217, Smith Street. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 902-862-7500. To send online condolences, go to: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.